Communications device including radio frequency (rf) signal blocking layer for near-field communication (nfc) device and related methods

ABSTRACT

A communications device may include a near-field communication (NFC) circuit device, and a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member adhesively coupled with the NFC device. The RF signal blocking member may be configured to block RF signal communication by the NFC device while coupled therewith. The RF signal blocking member may comprise an electrical conductor. In accordance with an example, the RF signal blocking member may comprise a frangible layer. In another example, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be included for adhesively securing the RF signal blocking member with the NFC device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of communications, and moreparticularly, to communications devices and related methods that usenear-field communication (NFC).

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication systems continue to grow in popularity and havebecome an integral part of both personal and business communications.Various mobile devices now incorporate Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)features such as calendars, address books, task lists, calculators, memoand writing programs, media players, games, etc. These multi-functiondevices usually allow electronic mail (email) messages to be sent andreceived wirelessly, as well as access the Internet via a cellularnetwork and/or a wireless local area network (WLAN), for example.

Some mobile devices incorporate contactless card technology and/ornear-field communication (NFC) chips. NFC technology is used forcontactless short-range communications based on radio frequencyidentification (RFI) standards, using magnetic field induction to enablecommunication between electronic devices, including mobile wirelesscommunications devices. These short-range communications include paymentand ticketing, electronic keys, identification, device set-up serviceand similar information sharing. This short-range high frequencywireless communications technology exchanges data between devices over ashort distance, such as only a few centimeters. NFC circuitry may alsobe implemented in other communications devices, such as NFC tags, forexample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communications device inaccordance with an example embodiment including a near-fieldcommunication (NFC) circuit device and a radio frequency (RF) signalblocking layer to block RF signal communication by the NFC circuitdevice.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the communications device of FIG.1 with the RF signal blocking layer removed to permit RF signalcommunication by the NFC circuit device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of thecommunications device of FIG. 1 including a frangible scratch-off RFsignal blocking layer.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of thecommunications device of FIG. 1 including an adhesive peel-off RF signalblocking layer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communications device inaccordance with an alternative example embodiment including an RF signalblocking dielectric layer configured to block RF signal communicationbetween NFC circuitry and an associated antenna.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the communications device of FIG.5 with the RF signal blocking dielectric layer removed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communications device inaccordance with another alternative example embodiment including a powerblocking dielectric layer configured to block powering of NFC circuitryby a battery.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the communications device of FIG.7 with the power blocking dielectric layer removed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating example componentswhich may used in the communications devices of FIGS. 1 through 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description is made with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, manydifferent embodiments may be used, and thus the description should notbe construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and primenotation is used to indicate similar elements or steps in alternativeembodiments.

Generally speaking, a communications device is disclosed herein whichmay include a near-field communication (NFC) circuit device, and a radiofrequency (RF) signal blocking layer adhesively coupled with the NFCcircuit device. The RF signal blocking layer may be configured to blockRF signal communication by the NFC circuit device while coupledtherewith. As such, the RF signal blocking layer may advantageously beused to prevent communication with the NFC circuit device prior topurchasing the communications device at a store, etc., for enhancedsecurity and privacy.

More particularly, the RF signal blocking layer may comprise anelectrical conductor. In accordance with an example embodiment, the RFsignal blocking layer may comprise a frangible layer. In another exampleembodiment, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer may be included foradhesively securing the RF signal blocking layer to the NFC circuitdevice.

The NFC circuit device may include a package and NFC circuitry may becarried by the package, and the communications device may furtherinclude a wireless communications circuit carried by the package. By wayof example, the NFC circuit device may comprise active NFC circuitry orpassive NFC circuitry, and an antenna coupled thereto.

A similar communications device may include a NFC circuit device, anantenna coupled to the NFC circuit device, and an RF signal blockingdielectric layer removably positioned between the NFC circuit device andthe antenna. The RF signal blocking dielectric layer may be configuredto block RF signal communication between the NFC circuit device and theantenna when positioned therebetween, and upon removal permit RF signalcommunication between the NFC circuit device and the antenna.

Yet another similar communications device may include a battery, an NFCcircuit device, and a power blocking dielectric layer removablypositioned between the battery and the NFC circuit device. The powerblocking dielectric layer may be configured to block powering of the NFCcircuit device by the battery when positioned therebetween, and uponremoval permit powering of the NFC circuit device by the battery.

A related method aspect is for making a communications device and mayinclude adhesively coupling an RF signal blocking layer with a NFCcircuit device. The RF signal blocking layer may be configured to blockRF signal communication by the NFC circuit device while coupledtherewith.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a communications device 30illustratively includes a near-field communication (NFC) deviceincluding NFC circuitry 32 and a package 31 carrying the NFC circuitry32. In the illustrated example, the package 31 comprises a substrate(e.g., plastic, dielectric, etc.) and the NFC circuitry 32 is showncarried on an exterior surface of the package 31, but in someembodiments the NFC circuitry 32 may be embedded or encased within thepackage 31, for example. The communications device 30 furtherillustratively includes a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking layer 33adhesively coupled with the NFC circuit device. In particular, in thisembodiment the RF signal blocking layer 33 is adhesively coupled to theNFC circuitry 32, but in some embodiments it may be coupled to thepackage 31, such as when the NFC circuitry 32 is embedded within thepackage 31, for example.

The RF signal blocking layer 33 is advantageously configured to block RFsignal communication by the NFC circuitry 32 while coupled therewith (orto the package 31 in some embodiments). As shown in FIG. 1, thisprevents an NFC enabled device 34 from communicating with the NFCcircuitry 32, but NFC communication is enabled or permitted upon removalof the RF signal blocking layer 33 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, thecommunications device 30 may further include one or more wirelesscommunications circuits carried by the package 31, such as those of thecommunications subsystem 1001 described further below with reference toFIG. 9. The package 31 may take different forms in differentembodiments, such as a card substrate, circuit board, portable devicehousing, etc.

By way of background, NFC is a short-range wireless communicationstechnology in which NFC-enabled devices are “swiped,” “bumped” orotherwise moved in close proximity to communicate. In one non-limitingexample implementation, NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz and with aneffective range of about 10 cm, but other suitable versions ofnear-field communication which may have different operating frequencies,effective ranges, etc., for example, may also be used.

The use of the RF signal blocking layer 33 for the NFC circuitry 32 maybe advantageous in various applications. Because of the relatively smalldimensions in which NFC circuits or tags may be implemented, it ispossible to use them in numerous product identification and securityapplications. For example, in retail sales applications, NFC tags may beembedded in coupons, gift cards, collectible cards or figures, etc. Theinformation stored in the NFC tag may be associated with rebates,purchase points, or an account credit (e.g., a monetary credit, adigital media content or application download credit, etc.,), forexample. Thus, a designated user or recipient may use an NFC enableddevice 34 to access the information, which may provide greater ease ofuse and convenience.

Nonetheless, because of the value of the information stored by such NFCtags, some may attempt to surreptitiously access these NFC tags to stealthe information. The RF signal blocking layer 33 advantageously preventsthe NFC circuitry 32, which may be implemented either as passive NFCcircuitry or active NFC circuitry in various embodiments, fromcommunicating until the RF signal blocking layer 33 is removed. Using anexample where the communications device 30 is a gift card for loadingcredits onto a mobile device (e.g., mobile device application or “app”credits), the RF signal blocking layer 33 would advantageously preventscanning of the gift card by someone other than the intended recipient.Moreover, if the RF signal blocking layer 33 was removed, then it wouldbe visually evident that the card had been tampered with by someoneother than the intended recipient.

By way of example, the RF signal blocking layer 33 may comprise anelectrical conductor. Referring more particularly to FIG. 3, in thisexample embodiment the RF signal blocking layer 33′ is frangible,meaning that it separates, breaks, or otherwise comes off in pieces orsections. More particularly, the RF signal blocking layer 33′ comprisesa “scratch-off” layer, similar to those found on lottery tickets or gamecards, but with conductive (e.g., metal) particulates therein thatadvantageously block RF signals. The RF signal blocking layer 33′ maytherefore easily be removed by scratching or rubbing with a coin 35′,etc.

Another example is shown in FIG. 4, in which a pressure sensitiveadhesive layer 36″ may be included for adhesively securing the RF signalblocking layer 33″ to the package 31″ so that it may be peeled off ofthe package. In this example, the package 31″ comprises a portableelectronic device housing, and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 36″and RF signal blocking layer 33″ peel off as a single unitary body orpiece (i.e., as a whole). However, in some embodiments perforations,etc., may be used so that the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 36″ andRF signal blocking layer 33″ combination is frangible, i.e., it comesapart when peeled off so that it may not be replaced in its originalform. Considered alternatively, this destroys the RF signal blockinglayer 33″. Another approach is that the pressure sensitive adhesivelayer 36″ may comprise a single-use adhesive, which may not provide foreasy reapplication of the RF signal blocking layer 33″ once removed.Again, this may be used to help ensure that evidence of tampering cannoteasily be hidden by reapplication of the RF signal blocking layer 33″.

Another example embodiment of a communications device 50 is shown inFIG. 5. Here, NFC circuitry 52 (passive NFC circuitry in the illustratedexample) is carried by a package 51, and an antenna 57 is also carriedby the package 51. An electrical connector 58, such as a spring or biasclip, is used to electrically couple or connect the NFC circuitry 52with the antenna 57. An RF signal blocking dielectric layer 53 isremovably positioned or removably coupled to disrupt electrical contactbetween the NFC circuitry 52 and the antenna 57 at the electricalconnector 58. The RF signal blocking dielectric layer 53 may comprise adielectric strip or sheet of material that interrupts signal flowbetween the NFC circuitry 52 and the antenna 57 when positioned orcoupled therebetween. As such, the RF signal blocking dielectric layer53 similarly blocks (i.e., by preventing, limiting, obstructing, etc.)operation of the NFC circuitry 52 as does the RF signal blocking layer33 described above, but through blocking of RF signals downstream of theantenna 57 instead of upstream (i.e., blocking the signals from reachingthe antenna in the first place). Upon removal of the RF signal blockingdielectric layer 53 (FIG. 6), the electrical connector 58 then providesan electrical connection between the NFC circuitry 52 and the antenna 57so that NFC communication may take place.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 7 and 8, yet another exampleimplementation of the communications device 50′ may include a battery59′ carried by the package 51′, and a power blocking dielectric layer53′ removably coupled or positioned between the battery and the NFCcircuitry 52′. In this case, the NFC circuitry 52′ comprises active NFCcircuitry, and coupling or positioning of the power blocking dielectriclayer 53′ between the NFC circuitry and the battery 59′ at the electricconnector 58′ advantageously prevents powering of the NFC circuitry.Upon removal of the power blocking dielectric layer 53′ (FIG. 8),powering of the NFC circuitry 52′ by the battery 59′ may occur.

Example components of a communications device 1000 that may further beused in accordance with the above-described embodiments are nowdescribed with reference to FIG. 9. The device 1000 illustrativelyincludes a housing 1200, a keypad or keyboard 1400 and an output device1600. The output device shown is a display 1600, which may comprise afull graphic LCD. Other types of output devices may alternatively beutilized. A processing device 1800 is contained within the housing 1200and is coupled between the keyboard 1400 and the display 1600. Theprocessing device 1800 controls the operation of the display 1600, aswell as the overall operation of the mobile device 1000, in response toactuation of keys on the keyboard 1400.

The housing 1200 may be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizesand shapes (including clamshell housing structures). The keyboard mayinclude a mode selection key, or other hardware or software forswitching between text entry and telephony entry.

In addition to the processing device 1800, other parts of the mobiledevice 1000 are shown schematically in FIG. 9. These include acommunications subsystem 1001; a short-range communications subsystem1020; the keyboard 1400 and the display 1600, along with otherinput/output devices 1060, 1080, 1100 and 1120; as well as memorydevices 1160, 1180 and various other device subsystems 1201. The mobiledevice 1000 may comprise a two-way RF communications device having dataand, optionally, voice communications capabilities. In addition, themobile device 1000 may have the capability to communicate with othercomputer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by the processing device 1800 isstored in a persistent store, such as the flash memory 1160, but may bestored in other types of memory devices, such as a read only memory(ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specificdevice applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into avolatile store, such as the random access memory (RAM) 1180.Communications signals received by the mobile device may also be storedin the RAM 1180.

The processing device 1800, in addition to its operating systemfunctions, enables execution of software applications 1300A-1300N on thedevice 1000. A predetermined set of applications that control basicdevice operations, such as data and voice communications 1300A and1300B, may be installed on the device 1000 during manufacture. Inaddition, a personal information manager (PIM) application may beinstalled during manufacture. The PIM may be capable of organizing andmanaging data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails,appointments, and task items. The PIM application may also be capable ofsending and receiving data items via a wireless network 1401. The PIMdata items may be seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated viathe wireless network 1401 with corresponding data items stored orassociated with a host computer system.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, areperformed through the communications subsystem 1001, and possiblythrough the short-range communications subsystem. The communicationssubsystem 1001 includes a receiver 1500, a transmitter 1520, and one ormore antennas 1540 and 1560. In addition, the communications subsystem1001 also includes a processing module, such as a digital signalprocessor (DSP) 1580, and local oscillators (LOs) 1601. The specificdesign and implementation of the communications subsystem 1001 isdependent upon the communications network in which the mobile device1000 is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device 1000 mayinclude a communications subsystem 1001 designed to operate with theMobitex™, Data TAC™ or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile datacommunications networks, and also designed to operate with any of avariety of voice communications networks, such as AMPS, TDMA, CDMA,WCDMA, PCS, GSM, EDGE, etc. Other types of data and voice networks, bothseparate and integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile device1000. The mobile device 1000 may also be compliant with othercommunications standards such as 3GSM, 3GPP, UMTS, 4G, etc.

Network access requirements vary depending upon the type ofcommunication system. For example, in the Mobitex and DataTAC networks,mobile devices are registered on the network using a unique personalidentification number or PIN associated with each device. In GPRSnetworks, however, network access is associated with a subscriber oruser of a device. A GPRS device therefore typically involves use of asubscriber identity module, commonly referred to as a SIM card, in orderto operate on a GPRS network.

When required network registration or activation procedures have beencompleted, the mobile device 1000 may send and receive communicationssignals over the communication network 1401. Signals received from thecommunications network 1401 by the antenna 1540 are routed to thereceiver 1500, which provides for signal amplification, frequency downconversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provideanalog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of thereceived signal allows the DSP 1580 to perform more complexcommunications functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In asimilar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network 1401 areprocessed (e.g. modulated and encoded) by the DSP 1580 and are thenprovided to the transmitter 1520 for digital to analog conversion,frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission tothe communication network 1401 (or networks) via the antenna 1560.

In addition to processing communications signals, the DSP 1580 providesfor control of the receiver 1500 and the transmitter 1520. For example,gains applied to communications signals in the receiver 1500 andtransmitter 1520 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in the DSP 1580.

In a data communications mode, a received signal, such as a text messageor web page download, is processed by the communications subsystem 1001and is input to the processing device 1800. The received signal is thenfurther processed by the processing device 1800 for an output to thedisplay 1600, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O device 1060.A device may also be used to compose data items, such as e-mailmessages, using the keyboard 1400 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device1060, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some othertype of input device. The composed data items may then be transmittedover the communications network 1401 via the communications subsystem1001.

In a voice communications mode, overall operation of the device issubstantially similar to the data communications mode, except thatreceived signals are output to a speaker 1100, and signals fortransmission are generated by a microphone 1120. Alternative voice oraudio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, mayalso be implemented on the device 1000. In addition, the display 1600may also be utilized in voice communications mode, for example todisplay the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call,or other voice call related information.

The short-range communications subsystem enables communication betweenthe mobile device 1000 and other proximate systems or devices, whichneed not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-rangecommunications subsystem 1020 may include an infrared device andassociated circuits and components, NFC or a Bluetooth™ communicationsmodule to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems anddevices.

Many modifications and other embodiments will come to the mind of oneskilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it isunderstood that various modifications and embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A communications device comprising: a near-field communication (NFC)device; and a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member adhesivelycoupled with said NFC device, said RF signal blocking layer beingconfigured to block RF signal communication by said NFC circuit devicewhile coupled therewith.
 2. The communications device of claim 1 whereinsaid RF signal blocking member comprises an electrical conductor.
 3. Thecommunications device of claim 1 wherein said RF signal blocking membercomprises a frangible layer.
 4. The communications device of claim 1further comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adhesivelysecuring said RF signal blocking member with said NFC device.
 5. Thecommunications device of claim 1 wherein said NFC device comprisesactive NFC circuitry.
 6. The communications device of claim 1 whereinsaid NFC device comprises passive NFC circuitry.
 7. The communicationsdevice of claim 1 wherein said NFC device comprises NFC circuitry and anantenna coupled therewith.
 8. The communications device of claim 1wherein said NFC device comprises a package and NFC circuitry carried bysaid package; and the communications device further comprising awireless communications circuit carried by said package.
 9. Acommunications device comprising: near-field communication (NFC)circuitry; an antenna coupled with said NFC circuitry; and a radiofrequency (RF) signal blocking dielectric member removably positionedbetween said NFC circuitry and said antenna, said RF signal blockingdielectric member being configured to block RF signal communicationbetween said NFC circuitry and said antenna when positionedtherebetween, and upon removal permit RF signal communication betweensaid NFC circuitry and said antenna.
 10. The communications device ofclaim 9 wherein said NFC circuitry comprises active NFC circuitry. 11.The communications device of claim 9 wherein said NFC circuitrycomprises passive NFC circuitry.
 12. A communications device comprising:a battery; near-field communication (NFC) circuitry; and a powerblocking dielectric member removably positioned between said battery andsaid NFC circuitry, said power blocking dielectric member configured toblock powering of said NFC circuitry by said battery when positionedtherebetween, and upon removal permit powering of said NFC circuitry bysaid battery.
 13. The communications device of claim 12 wherein said NFCcircuitry comprises active NFC circuitry.
 14. The communications deviceof claim 12 wherein said NFC circuitry comprises passive NFC circuitry.15. A method for making a communications device, the method comprising:adhesively coupling a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member with anear-field communication (NFC) device, the RF signal blocking memberbeing configured to block RF signal communication by the NFC circuitdevice while coupled therewith.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein theRF signal blocking member comprises an electrical conductor.
 17. Themethod of claim 15 wherein the RF signal blocking member comprises afrangible layer.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein adhesively couplingcomprises adhesively coupling the RF signal blocking member to the NFCcircuit device via a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
 19. The methodof claim 15 wherein the NFC device comprises active NFC circuitry. 20.The method of claim 15 wherein the NFC device comprises passive NFCcircuitry.
 21. A signal blocking method for a communications devicecomprising a battery and near-field communication (NFC) circuitry, themethod comprising: removably positioning a power blocking dielectricmember between the battery and said NFC circuitry, the power blockingdielectric member being configured to block powering of the NFCcircuitry by the battery when positioned therebetween, and upon removalpermit powering of the NFC circuitry by the battery.
 22. The method ofclaim 20 wherein the NFC circuitry comprises active NFC circuitry. 23.The method of claim 20 wherein the NFC circuitry comprises passive NFCcircuitry.